A Cultural Inquiry on the Growth of Cultural Content Studies:On Detailed Classification (as a Methodology) and Development

Since the birth of Cultural Contents Studies in the early 2000s, efforts to study various cultural contents in various fields such as cultural archetype, storytelling, and cultural technology have continued. Thereby, opinions have also emerged that Cultural Contents Studies should have detailed field classification or methodology. It can be regarded as a part of the ideas that Cultural Contents Studies, which are still being formed, should be well established and lasted. In this respect, this paper attempted to present a discussion on Cultural Contents Studies (a meta-research in a mixed method of adding quantitative research to the basis of qualitative research) by examining the situation and development of Korean cultural contents over the past 20 years. The detailed classification of Cultural Contents Studies has an inner story related to certain meanings and methodologies. Moreover, the importance of ethics about cultural contents need to be raised. It was intended to emphasize that Korean cultural contents (Korean Wave or K-culture) should play a part in promoting the diversity of global culture by allowing people around the world to enjoy Korean culture. And, it is a way to play the role of Korea in a global society. This should be regarded as the ideology of the Korean Wave or K-culture. Not only the aspect of understanding and inheriting and developing the existing traditions and history of Korea, but also the aspect of creating and developing traditions and history is important. Cultural Contents Studies itself could be a part of Korean Studies about contemporary culture (in Korea) and Korean culture. Cultural Contents Studies, which try to establish positive relationships with surrounding other studies while studying cultural contents, should be continued, and known to the world.